US Marshals searching for fugitive with history of sexually abusing children

by Hema Mullur

Authorities are searching for a man with a history of sexually abusing children, and now he's failed to register with the state for the third time. Gabriel Melchor, 51, has been on the run since August 2017. (Photo courtesy: Lone Star Fugitive Task Force)

Authorities are searching for a man with a history of sexually abusing children, and now he's failed to register with the state for the third time. Gabriel Melchor, 51, has been on the run since August 2017.

"The original offense was in the early 2000s where it pertained to indecency with a child by contact," said Deputy U.S. Marshal, Brandon Filla.

The victims in the case were 13 and 14-years-old, and Melchor has a criminal history dating back to 1988 -- including another charge of sexual assault of a child back in 1993.

"He's been charged twice and convicted for failure to comply with sex offender registration. During those convictions, he served two years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, so this is something that's not new to him," said Filla.

Melchor is required to register every 90 days for the rest of his life.

"There's probably a high aptitude of them to re-offend, so we feel it's important for the safety of the public to keep an eye on those individuals, to know where they're at," said Filla.

But when authorities paid him a visit at his home on Everett Street in Kyle in August, he wasn't there.

"They were advised there by an occupant that Melchor no longer resided there at the residence," said Filla.

Now, they hope someone in the area recognizes him and knows where he is. And if he's found out of state, Melchor could face federal charges as well.

"If he's located in another state then he'll be eligible to be prosecuted on the Adam Walsh violation," said Filla.

Melchor is 5'9, weighs 165 pounds, and has tattoos on his back, chest, and upper left arm. If you have any information on his whereabouts, call the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force at 512-800-4213.